The Latics managed a 1-1 draw at Cambridge United on Saturday in a match they dominated for the first half. Jose Baxter had to leave the field through injury early in the second half and the match took on a totally different complexion after the substitution.
Paul Scholes summed up, “We weren't great second half, I thought we were okay first half, we controlled possession without really looking that threatening. We had a couple of chances here and there, got ahead with a lucky goal, but second half we started really badly and didn't get any better. It was disappointing that second half, but all we can do is move on with a tough game on Tuesday against Lincoln. If we play anything like we did in that second half on Tuesday then we'll struggle and we know that, so we need some more life in us.”
“I can't really explain the second half performance, it was probably the worst half of football we've had since I've been here. We played well in the first half, we played some good stuff at times, had a couple of chances and couldn't quite manage the second goal but in the second half we never really looked like scoring. The change was made to get Jose on the ball as much as possible because he's our best footballer. Playing in that deeper position is good for us because we all know he can play, but unfortunately he was feeling a little bit rough. He didn't have a great night's sleep prior to the game, so he had to come off early in the second half. It possibly changed things because he's a leader as well, he speaks to the players throughout the game and we missed that leadership second half. We know what a good team Lincoln are, they're top of the league for a reason so it'll be tough. I've said to the lads in the changing room if we play like we did in the second half then we'll get beat without a shadow of a doubt.”